Riyadh Air Wins CAAC Approval for Beijing and Shanghai Flights (2026) — New Saudi Arabian Carrier Enters China
Saudi Arabia's newest airline Riyadh Air receives CAAC regulatory approval for 7 weekly Boeing 787-9 flights to Beijing Daxing and Shanghai Pudong, opening a new direct corridor between the kingdom and China.
Key takeaway
Saudi Arabia's newest national airline, Riyadh Air, received CAAC regulatory approval on July 9, 2026 to launch direct flights to China. The authorization covers 7 weekly Boeing 787-9 flights: 3 weekly to Beijing Daxing (PKX) and 4 weekly to Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Launch dates are pending, but Saudi nationals can already enter China visa-free for 30 days through December 31, 2026.
Full report
What Changed
According to the CAAC's Q2 2026 international operating approvals, published on July 9, 2026, Riyadh Air was granted authorization to operate 7 weekly passenger and cargo flights between Saudi Arabia and China. The specific allocations are:
- 3 weekly flights between Riyadh (RUH) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
- 4 weekly flights between Riyadh (RUH) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
All services will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, the same type Riyadh Air uses for its existing routes. The CAAC originally approved both applications on May 7, 2026, before publishing the full quarterly list on July 9, as reported by Aviation Week.
Riyadh Air is a brand-new carrier backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched as part of the kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The airline began revenue service in June 2026 with its first flight to London Heathrow, and has since expanded to Jeddah, Dubai, and Cairo. According to Simple Flying, the airline expects its fleet to grow to 8 Boeing 787-9s by the end of July 2026, with plans to serve 22 destinations by March 2027 and over 100 by 2030.
This marks the first time a Saudi Arabian carrier will operate scheduled nonstop flights to mainland China since Saudia (the kingdom's flag carrier) served limited routes. The Beijing Daxing allocation is particularly notable — Riyadh Air becomes one of the newest international carriers at PKX, the mega-hub that opened in September 2019.
What to do next
- Monitor riyadhair.com for route launch announcements and ticket sale dates. 2. Verify your visa-free eligibility on the NIA website (en.nia.gov.cn) if you hold a Saudi passport. 3. Compare with existing Middle Eastern carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad) that already serve China with confirmed schedules. 4. Plan Beijing airport logistics — Daxing (PKX) is separate from Capital (PEK).
What may vary
Launch dates depend on aircraft delivery schedules, commercial demand assessment, and bilateral slot allocations. Riyadh Air's fleet is growing to 8 Boeing 787-9s by end of July 2026; China routes may launch once sufficient aircraft are available. The Saudi visa-free policy runs through December 31, 2026 and may be extended or modified.
FAQ
When will Riyadh Air start flying to Beijing and Shanghai?
No launch date has been confirmed as of July 14, 2026. Riyadh Air received CAAC regulatory approval on July 9, 2026, but the airline has not announced when ticket sales will open or when the first flights will operate.
Can Saudi Arabian citizens visit China without a visa in 2026?
Yes. Saudi Arabian ordinary passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, and transit. This policy is valid through December 31, 2026, per the National Immigration Administration.
Which Beijing airport will Riyadh Air use and how do I get to the city?
Riyadh Air is approved for Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), located 46 km south of downtown Beijing. Daxing is connected to the city center via the Daxing Airport Express (20 minutes to Caoqiao Station) and high-speed rail links.
How does Riyadh Air compare to Emirates or Qatar Airways for China travel?
Riyadh Air is a brand-new full-service carrier using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. While Emirates and Qatar Airways have established networks and frequent schedules, Riyadh Air offers a direct Riyadh-China connection without a hub stopover — saving 3-5 hours of travel time for Saudi-originating passengers.
Which Beijing airport will Riyadh Air use — Daxing or Capital?
Riyadh Air's CAAC approval is specifically for Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), not Beijing Capital (PEK). Daxing is Beijing's newer mega-hub, located approximately 46 km south of the city center, with high-speed rail and metro connections to downtown.
What aircraft will Riyadh Air use on China routes?
Riyadh Air will operate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on all China routes, the same wide-body type used for its existing network to London, Dubai, and Cairo.